Is IELTS mandatory to study in Japan, or can I use an alternative English test?
No, IELTS is not mandatory everywhere in Japan. Alternatives accepted by some universities include TOEFL, which some programmes at the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University accept as a direct substitute, PTE at Kyoto University of Advanced Science, Cambridge English Qualifications, or a previous degree taught fully in English.
No, IELTS is not mandatory everywhere in Japan. Some universities accept alternatives such as TOEFL, PTE or Cambridge English Qualifications, and several waive the language requirement if your previous degree was taught fully in English. It varies by university.
Accepted alternatives to IELTS
| Alternative | Where it is accepted |
|---|---|
| TOEFL | Accepted as a direct substitute by some programmes at the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University (programme-specific, not university-wide) |
| PTE | Accepted at Kyoto University of Advanced Science |
| Cambridge English Qualifications | Taken by some universities in place of IELTS |
| Prior education in English | Several universities waive the requirement if your previous degree was fully in English |
Other exams you may meet
- JLPT: for programmes taught in Japanese, from N5 (basic) to N1 (advanced).
- EJU: required for many undergraduate programmes, covering Japanese, science and math.
- GRE or GMAT: sometimes needed for graduate and MBA programmes.
My Advice
Do not book IELTS until you have checked your target university's list of accepted tests. You may save time and money by using a test you already have, or a waiver based on your English-medium degree.
Low percentage, study gap or no work experience?
Find out which Japan universities you still qualify for.
More Universities & admissions questions
- When are the spring and fall application deadlines for South Korean universities that I should plan for?
- How much would I pay in first-year tuition for the International MBA program at York University, Toronto?
- Will I be able to pass the English proficiency exam given my concerns about language skills?
- What are some effective online German language classes for Indian students preparing to study in Germany?
- By when should my HEP point be completed, should it be this month to avoid delay in UK?
- If I apply to two courses at the same university, do I need separate letters of recommendation for each course or can I use the same letter for both?
- What are the chances of getting a conditional offer letter requiring IELTS even if I have a good 12th standard score?
- Is January 2027 intake possible for masters in business analytics in UK/UAE?
More Japan questions
- Which Japanese universities are in the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings 2027 for me to consider?
- What is the preferred country among Japan, Singapore, or USA for study abroad for a Master's?
- Which country is the most cost-effective for my MBBS among Russia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, the Philippines, and Japan?
- How difficult is the visa process for Japan compared to other countries?
- How can an Indian engineering student get internships or jobs in the semiconductor and nanotech fields in Japan, South Korea, or China?
- After working in Dubai for a few years, can I move to other countries like Ireland, Germany, or Japan?
- How can I get a scholarship and prepare a strong portfolio for a master's in design in Japan?
- Which country is the best choice for a master's in data science or AI: the UK, Germany, or Japan?